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Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

a recipe photo of the Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Leeks

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Active Time:15 minsTotal Time:35 minsServings:4Jump to Nutrition Facts

Active Time:15 minsTotal Time:35 minsServings:4

Active Time:15 mins

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:4

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

the ingredients to make the Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Leeks

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients5mediumleeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into ½- to ¾-inch-thick rounds1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil1/8teaspoonsalt1/3cupgrated Parmesan cheese2teaspoonsgratedlemon zest1teaspoonchoppedfresh thyme1/8teaspooncrackedpepper

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

5mediumleeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into ½- to ¾-inch-thick rounds

1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil

1/8teaspoonsalt

1/3cupgrated Parmesan cheese

2teaspoonsgratedlemon zest

1teaspoonchoppedfresh thyme

1/8teaspooncrackedpepper

Directions

Position oven rack in top third; preheat to 400°F. Toss leeks with oil and salt on a large rimmed baking sheet until well coated. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the pan. Roast until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to 450°F.

a photo of the chopped leeks on the baking sheet

Meanwhile, stir Parmesan, lemon zest, thyme and pepper together in a small bowl until combined.

Sprinkle the leeks evenly with Parmesan mixture. (It’s OK if some falls off onto the pan.) Roast until the undersides of the leeks are well browned and the Parmesan is melted and browned in spots, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the leeks to a platter; use a spatula to scrape up the remaining bits of Parmesan and sprinkle onto the leeks.

a photo of the cooked leeks being taken off the baking sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Leeks belong to the same family as onions and garlic, and they provide a wealth of nutrients and potential health benefits. They provide small amounts of several nutrients, including fiber and vitamins A and K. Leeks are rich in flavonoids, which have been linked with reduced inflammation. They alsoact as a prebiotic, providing food for your beneficial gut bacteria.

Likemost other cheeses, Parmesan delivers essential nutrients, including protein and calcium. It is considered a higher-sodium cheese, but its pungent smell and flavor go a long way. This allows you to use less of it and still get the flavor, which is great if you’re watching your sodium intake.

For those darker leaves that you reserved: If you aren’t ready to use them immediately, store them unwashed in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator (they should keep this way for about two weeks). When you’re ready to use them, slice them up into ribbons or pieces and wash them as you did for the leek rounds, or if you prefer whole leaves, you can push a stream of water through each leaf under the kitchen faucet and use your fingers to wipe the dirt away. There are many ways to enjoy leek greens, but a couple of ideas include tossing them in a pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic plus your favorite seasonings for about 5 to 10 minutes or roasting them in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes—until the leaves are soft and tender. Then, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you wish.

Leeks sweeten and mellow with cooking, so you can serve them with just about anything. Some suggestions include grains, pasta, chicken, beef, fish, eggs, potatoes and spring vegetables, such as carrots and asparagus.

EatingWell.com, April 2024

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Nutrition Facts(per serving)123Calories6gFat16gCarbs4gProtein

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.